HIPAA & Resident Privacy Basics for Adult Family Homes
Adult Family Homes handle sensitive personal and health information every day — diagnoses, medications, provider contacts, and more. Protecting that information is both a matter of respect and, often, a legal obligation.
This article is a general introduction, not legal or compliance advice. Privacy obligations depend on your specific situation; confirm what applies to your home with qualified professionals and the relevant federal and Washington State rules.
Treat resident information as confidential by default
A good baseline is to share resident health information only with people who need it to provide care, and only to the extent needed. That includes being thoughtful about conversations, paperwork left in view, and where records are stored.
When a written authorization is commonly used
Homes often use a written authorization form when sharing health information with parties beyond routine care — for example, certain family members, or when a resident asks that information be released to a specific person or organization.
- Identify who information may be shared with, and for what purpose
- Note any categories that get extra protection under separate rules
- Keep signed authorizations on file with the resident’s records
Build simple habits
- Store records securely and limit access
- Avoid collecting more sensitive data than you need (e.g., full Social Security numbers)
- Train staff on what confidentiality means in day-to-day practice